The Story Of Kanturk Castle, Co. Cork Ireland
“A man’s home is his castle…” so the wise proverb affirms. Iironically in this case, it looks like Kanturk Castle never became a place of living. Nevertheless, what did get constructed was and is magnificent. The main structure offers 4 story, while each tower has five story.
Now as you walk around this beautiful old building, it’s hard to imagine that it was built in about 1601. four centuries later and it is still remaining strong. ‘Bualadh bos’ to the stone masons. (Bualadh bos is Irish/Gaelic for applause or praise) Legend has it that sEven stonemasons all named John constructed the Castle. Hence at one time the fortress was called as “Carrig-na-Shane-Saor” i.e. The Rock of John the Mason.
There are various beliefs on whom specifically the castle was constructed for. Some say it was MacDonogh McCarthy, while others feel it was Dermot MacOwen. Still the dating of the castle cannot be agreed upon. usually it is said to be late 16th century early 17th century.
Why was it that he never lived in it? Well, there is some more to that proverb: ‘A man’s home is his castle …, and that is, ‘until the Queen arrives’. The neighbors of Kanturk Castle were getting a bit bothered about the stature of this building and to the cause of its being. The Privy Council, which was like close consultants to the Queen of England at the time, was informed and ordered the work on the building to cease. So, ‘A man’s home is his castle until the queen arrives’.
So disappointed the overlord was, it’s reported that he smashed up the leaded glass and the tiles and flung them into the river.
Over time after that the ownership changed ownership a number of times. It is now managed by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, since 14th July 2000.
Why not come and see Kanturk Castle, Cork, Ireland for yourself. As you walk around think of existing in the 15/1600s with the Mc Donagh McCarthy’s at Kanturk Castle.
Other references to Kanturk Castle: An Taisce press release, “The story of Kanturk Castle” by Jean J. McCarthy
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